Responding Together to COVID-19 in Our Community

As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to impact all our communities, we are grateful to be working faithfully with a vibrant network of neighbors, community groups, congregations, organizations, and foundations across King and South Snohomish Counties to support, equip, and connect local leaders and their communities through this unprecedented time. Here are a few snippets of what’s been going on:

Immigrant & Refugee Accompaniment

“An asylum seeker who arrived shortly after this pandemic started was afraid of not being able to access healthcare. He was extremely relieved to learn of resources he had no idea were available. Accompaniment matters now: being deeply present, listening, walking with our immigrant communities through a time of urgent need & panic, providing moments of relief that someone is here for them, being a hub of resources & knowledge.”

Kimberly Dominguez-Barranco, Immigrant Accompaniment Associate

Moving Emergency Funds to Faith Communities in Front Line Service

Recognizing the value of our long-term investment in local leaders, Seattle Foundation entrusted us with $50,000 from their COVID 19 Emergency Fund. Within a week those dollars began to be regranted to local leaders, in places consistent with our local organizing circles. These leaders know what their communities need at this time and are creatively providing direct assistance to impacted community members, strengthening communities and relationships in South King County, Seattle, and the Eastside. More on this soon!

Liaison between King County & 500 Faith Communities for Safe Practices

“I appreciated the emails from the Church Council in the past weeks, as COVID 19 began to impact our community safety. You were one of the first to begin compiling information and resources and that was helpful–Thank you!”Sonja Lowe, Quest Church Member

Affirming the value of this network, Michael Ramos, Executive Director of the Council, was asked to serve on King County’s Pandemic Community Advisory Group. He helped the County consult with faith communities to form & share guidelines for keeping their members safe, broadcast via dozens of emails.